Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Ain't No Sunshine
Musicians:
Rahsaan Roland Kirk (flute),
Sonelius Smith (piano), Billy Butler (guitar), Henry Pearson (bass), Khalil Mhrdi (drums), Richard Landrum (congas), Joe Habad Texidor (percussion)
.Composed by Bill Withers
.Recorded: New York, August 31, 1971
Rating: 79/100 (learn more)
At his best, Rahsaan Roland Kirk was one of the most exciting instrumentalists of his generation. I still recall a night at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach when Kirk had the audience in a frenzy, digging in with a tenor solo to end all tenor solos. But the Atlantic release Blacknuss did a disservice to this masterful player with its sub-par accompaniment and hokey crossover arrangements. On this forgettable LP, Kirk recorded the Bread pop-schlock tune "Make It With You" (all-too-white Bread on an LP called Blacknuss?), "My Girl" and other pop drivel, and even Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," one of the grittier soul tunes of the era, collapses under the weight of an overwrought arrangement. If you want to hear Kirk in a more inspired mood, track down the dynamic Bright Moments live recording at Keystone Korner, or his tour de force performance on the Mingus at Carnegie Hall release.
Reviewer: Ted Gioia
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